Kausalya, widow of Dalit youth V. Shankar, on Tuesday welcomed the verdict by the Tirupur special court awarding death sentence to her father and five others, but stood firm on going on an appeal against the acquittal of three accused, including her mother.
Addressing journalists at Udumalpet soon after judge Alamelu Natarajan pronounced the verdict at Tirupur, Ms. Kausalya said that the confidence that she had reposed on the judiciary had been further strengthened and her patient wait for justice had not gone in vain. However, she said that she would continue her struggle legally as well as on the field till the Government brought in a separate legislation against such caste-based killings. The verdict has come as a justice for the blood shed by Shankar on the streets of Udumalpet, she added.
Reading out a statement, she thanked the judiciary for the special attention bestowed on the “rare case”. Making it clear that her personal opinion on death sentence was different, she said that the capital punishment awarded for many of the accused would set a precedent for such caste crimes and would act as a deterrent in future. It would instil fear in the minds of casteist forces.
“Double death and double life-term sentences” will ensure that the accused shall not escape from the clutches of law in any manner. Not referring to the relationship that she shared with any of the accused and just calling them by their names, Ms. Kausalya made it clear that she would appeal against the acquittal of (her mother) Annalakshmi, Pandidurai and Prasanna. She would not rest till she got them convicted. She added that she would not relent and would wage a battle legally as well as on the field, if those convicted were to go on an appeal against the sentences.
Fears threat to life
Referring to the commotion that prevailed on the court premises, Ms. Kausalya said there could be attempts on her life as well as that of the family members of Shankar and sought police protection. She thanked the political parties, rights activists, media and the movements that had stood with her since March 2016 in her fight for justice.